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BMW peels the top off the i8 concept: Autoweek TV

April 1, 2012

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Also in this episode: Ford sets the price on a stop/start option for the 2013 Fusion, the government checks the Jeep Wrangler and the Chevrolet Cruze for engine fires, and we take a spin in the Nissan 370Z.

I'm Ken, and this is a Monday edition of Autoweek TV. Here's what's making news in the car world:

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The auto world will be focused on the New York auto show this week. But BMW is bringing a topless version of the i8 concept car to the Beijing show at the end of this month.

The i8 Spyder previews a car we expect to see in BMW showrooms two years from now.

The car uses plenty of plastics to keep weight low. Power comes from a hybrid that pairs a turbo three-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Total output is about 355 hp.

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The redesigned Ford Fusion will help you save gas when you're stuck in traffic.

The new Fusion's four-cylinder engine can be fitted with stop/start technology. The cost? $295.

The engine's direct fuel injection helps make this possible. You also get a beefed-up battery and starter motor. And software keeps track of the cabin temperature. If it gets too warm, the engine won't shut down, so you don't lose your cool.

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The government is looking into complaints that some Jeeps and Chevy cars are prone to engine fires.

The investigation is taking a look at the 2010 Jeep Wrangler and the 2011 Chevy Cruze.

The government says it has eight complaints about engine fires in the Wrangler and two complaints about the Cruze.

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That's the news for now.

We'll leave you today with a look at the 2011 Nissan 370Z sports car. Your pilot is Greg Migliore.

Come on back tomorrow for more Autoweek TV. And remember--enjoy the drive.